Saturday, February 28, 2009

We've just been advised by a reader that the Detroit News is reporting that the Toy Poodle, CH Smash Moon Walk, has been named Best In Show on day one of the Detroit Kennel Club show. We’re not sure if the local press has a sudden interest in dog shows or if things are a little slow in Motor City, but we’re happy for the local coverage. That’s number five this year for Walker and one of his biggest victories yet. Is it just us or are the little guys dominating these first couple of months?

It’s snowing here in Memphis, but we’re sure it’s even colder in Milwaukee WI. However, one of this year’s hottest dog was there busy collecting another BIS. The Pug, CH Tupelo Shoboat Tu China Tu, logged 2009 BIS number six today on day one of the Wisconsin Kennel Club show. When we tabulate this weekend’s shows we expect there to be a real slugfest for the top ten spots.

We thought that we would have to wait until Monday morning for detailed show reports, but we have been alerted to the fact that AKC’s staff has been busy posting results this morning. First to the predictable, the Giant Schnauzer, CH Galilee's Pure of Spirit, has won yet another BIS.

CH Galilee's Pure of Spirit

This one came on Day two of the Sequoia Kennel Club show in Hanford CA. Also on hand in Judge Donna Buxton’s ring to watch Spirit march toward the century mark were the Weimaraner, CH Smokycity Silhouette Dbl Ur Pleasure, the Whippet, CH Sonsteby’s In A Pickle, the Standard Manchester Terrier, CH Medley's War Hunt, the Pomeranian, Starlight's Smile From Siam, the Standard Poodle, CH Penndragon Masaniello, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, CH Caamora All Dolled Up PT.

CH Rokeena Carte Blanche

Not as predictable, but now particularly surprising, were the events down on the deep south mega cluster. Not since Sherman has there been such a march through the south. Yesterday they gathered in Fort Walton Beach FL (which bears no resemblance to South Beach) to get Judge Gloria Geringer’s opinion on our merry band of travelers. Lining up for inspection were the Labrador Retriever, CH Robnie’s Chantilly At Lighthouse, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, CH Rokeena Carte Blanche, the Portuguese Water Dog, CH Driftwood Call Me Sexsea, the Sealyham Terrier, CH Efbe’s Hidalgo At Goodspicem the Pekingese, CH Franshaw’s hear Me Roar, the French Bulldog, CH Raindrops Justus Life’s A Game, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Shoal Creek’s Sangria V Barick. With so many shows and so many BIS judges, no one dog could dominate this circuit. Friday belonged to the PBGV, CeeJay, who picked up his fifth BIS of the year.

CH Roundown Mercedes Of Maryscot

Finally, the heavy action was in Scottsdale AZ where we had twice as many dogs as the other two shows combined, with over 2300 dogs entered in the Suoerstition Kennel Club event. Judge Nancy Simmons definitely had a stellar group of dogs to choose from. In her final were the Golden Retriever, CH Toasty’s Treasure Island, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, CH Afterglow Ebeneezer, the Boxer, CH Duba Dae’s Who’s Your Daddy, the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundown Mercedes Of Maryscot, the Affenpinscher, CH Tamarin Tug, the Bichon Frise, CH Paray Rime Time, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, CH Coventry Vanity Fair. Winning another big one was the Scottie, Sadie, who is now threatening to take over the number one spot in the national rankings. And, if it happens, we will be the first to tell you about it.

Friday, February 27, 2009

We have learned that the ABC news program, Nightline, is preparing as a story on canine health, including breeding practices, similar to the last August’s BBC expose, Pedigreed Dogs Exposed. AKC has told us that it appears that ABC is following the current media fashion and preparing a biased, sensationalized story that will be critical of our fancy.

AKC has been advised by their attorneys (who else) not to cooperate with ABC in the preparation of this story. They have even asked the AKC faithful to politely decline ABC’s requests for interviews and refer them to the AKC’s Communications dept at communications@akc.org or 212-696-8343. AKC has issued the following statement:

“The American Kennel Club is the nation’s leading not-for-profit organization devoted to canine health, breeding and responsible dog ownership. The AKC’s breeding policies and high ethical standards have made us the most widely respected registry in the world. Each year, the AKC performs approximately 5,000 kennel and breeder inspections to ensure the proper care and conditions of dogs and has led the charge in regards to advancing canine health, including founding the AKC Canine Health Foundation in 1995. Since that time, $22 million has been given to more than 500 research projects at 74 vet schools and research institutes worldwide to improve the health of all dogs.”

Nonetheless, should you like to let ABC know you support our fancy and you believe that AKC dog shows are a forum to educate the public on how responsible breeders are improving the health of our pets, then you can write to them here. (We did)

We have a pair of our 2008 top ten dogs that are marching toward the century mark on lifetime Best In Shows. Last night we reported that the Giant Schnauzer, CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit, has recorded career BIS number 94. This morning we can tell your that the Sealyham Terrier, CH Efbe’s Hidalgo At Goodspice, has picked up lifetime BIS number 95.

Keeping the Giant, Spirit, company in Judge Judy Webb’s BIS ring were the Flat Coated Retriever, CH Starworkers Dealers Choice, the Long Haried Dachshund, CH Insight Rumorhasit At Pramada, the Standard Manchester Terrier, CH Medley’s War Hunt, the Chinese Crested, CH Crestline Butters Scotch, the Dalmatian, CH Xanadu's Angel Sabrina, and the Old English Sheep Dog, CH Barkshire’s Nick Of Time. Congratulations to Charmin, Spirit, and all the finalists on their wins. We suspect that we will see more BIS for these two before the weekend is over.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

We have word in from the Sequoia Kennel Club that the Giant Schnauzer, CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit, has picked up her 94th career BIS today from Judge Judy Webb. We will let you know the names of the other finalists as soon as we have them.

We are a little behind it letting you know who is where this weekend. So open a window on Google maps and follow along. We have already briefed you on the traveling circus in Florida . You do know that the Ringling Brothers Museum is in Sarasota in the former mansion of PT Barnum, the Moorish fantasy castle known as Ca D’Zan? But we digress.

Ca D'Zan, Sarasota FL

For those of you who have been amazed at the nothingness that exists along the I-5 corridor in between Los Angeles and San Francisco, there is the town of Hanford, distinguished this weekend by four shows beginning today sponsored by the Sequoia Kennel Club and the Kings Kennel Club of California. Southern California fanciers also have the option of a four day cluster in Scottsdale AZ hosted by the Superstition Kennel Club and the Scottsdale Dog Fanciers Association beginning tomorrow.

Those of you who are not vacationing in the sun belts of Florida or California will have to make do with traditional Saturday/Sunday offerings in suburban St Louis (Belleville IL courtesy of the Belle-City KC), suburban Milwaukee (West Allis WI courtesy of the Wisconsin KC), New York Metro (Secaucus NJ courtesy of the Monticello NY KC & the KC of Northern NJ), the big city of Detroit (Detroit KC hosts), and the small town of Wichita Falls TX (Faith City KC hosts). Have no fear, each of these will have some top notch quality AKC dogs to take your breath away.

The Sealyham Terrier, CH Efbe’s Hidalgo At Goodspice continues to charm in Florida winning another installment of the deep South road show. The latest win came yesterday at the second day event of the Greater Panama City Dog Fancies Association in Marianna FL. Also on hand for Judge Marjorie Underwood’s consideration were the German Wirehaired Pointer, CH Ripsnorter’s Mt View Lookout, the Petit Basset Griffon , CH Rokeena Carte Blanche, the Great Pyrenees, CH Saddle Ridge Power Of Won, the Pug, CH Ivanwold Diva At Riversong, the Tibetan Terrier, CH Araki Tinkle Winkle of Dialynne, and the Puli, CH Cordmaker Field Of Dreams.

For those of you keeping score, and who isn’t, that was BIS number six and lifetime number 95 for Charmin and owner/handler Marjorie Good. For those of you following this caravan through Florida, it continues today with the fist of two shows from the Okaloosa Kennel Club in Fort Walton before moving on to Pensacola for the Saturday and Sunday shows of the Pensacola DFA.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

There’s a reason you don’t dance in the end zone until they’ve reviewed the video tape. No sooner was I doing my victory dance celebrating the first family’s selection of an AKC registered pure bred dog as family pet than a reader sent this to me.

It appears that the first family is having a difficult time “vetting” the first dog. I don’t know why. Dogs don’t have to file tax returns. I do know this. I’ve been married almost 39 years. And if my wife told the whole neighborhood something, ain’t no way I’m gonna say she don’t make the decisions in the family….but he is a first term President.

We don’t want to jinx it, but we also can’t resist a little cheerleading for our side (that would be the AKC registered purebred side). This piece from the MSNBC (who else would have the inside scoop on the Obama family) reports that Michele Obama has told People Magazine that they have decided on a Portuguese Water Dog for the first family’s first dog. In an inside the Beltway, political correct manuver, the First Lady tells People that they are looking for a “rescue” PWD. Call it what you want, it’s a Portie, just like we told you here.

Our beloved 2008 top ten are still out there setting the bar for any other dogs hoping to make their mark this year. As our deep south marathon continues, last year’s top Terrier, CH Efbe’s Hidalgo At Goodspice, showed some stamina to Judge Jon Cole, taking the BIS title at the first day show of the Greater Panama City Dog Fanciers Association in Marianna FL yesterday. The other finalists included the Labrador Retriever, CH Robnie’s Chantilly At Lighthouse, the Afghan Hound, CH Genesis Silverado, the Siberian Husky, CH Topaz Trouble, the Pug, CH Ivanwold Diva At Riverside, the Keeshond, CH Karolina Bonnyval Deal No Deal, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Shoal Creek’s Sangria V Barick.

It was the fifth BIS this year for Charmin, who is nearing that 100 BIS lifetime milestone with 94 to date.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

As we warned you there is a doggy marathon going on in the deep south. Yesterday the canine caravan was in Dothan AL for the Southeast Alabama Kennel Club show. Monday was Judge Molly Martin’s turn to pick the top dog and she had a crowd of merging stars to choose from.

Monday, February 23, 2009

We end our weekend round up where we left off, in sunny California, where even the dog show crowd managed to get in an Oscar watching party after the Saturday and Sunday Silver Bay Kennel Club Of San Diego shows. Del Mar may not be as glamorous as Hollywood, but the beaches are better, and this weekend, the dogs were there.

CH Capri’s Magic Maker Of Sassy

Saturday, Judge Arthur Davison, put up one of the many fine Boxers we have in the country this year, CH Capri’s Magic Maker Of Sassy. Adding a bit of doggy glamour to the festivities were a trio of last year’s top ten dogs, the Affenpinscher, CH Tamarin Tug, the Standard Poodle, CH Randenn Tristar Affirmation, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, CH Coventry Vanity Fair. Also in the hunt for heavy silver were the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, CH Flatbrook Royal Point Attitude JH, the Norwegian Elkhound, CH Vin-Melca’s Voyager, and the West Highland White Terrier, CH Serendipity’s Crazed About You.

CH Randenn Tristar Affirmation

The Elkhound and the big Poodle were the only two holdovers that showed up Sunday in Judge Edd Bivin’s BIS ring. They were joined by the ASCOB Cocker Spaniel, CH Mei-Hardt's Shining Quasar, the Great Dane, CH Shalako Conspiracy of Rondomar, the Bedlington Terrier, Boardwalk’s Bling Bling, the Toy Fox Terrier, CH Ultra Quest Be Bop’n Bobbie, and the Bearded Collie, CH Brigadoon Daybar Believe It Or Not. And while the stars in Hollywood may be fading, those in our world still burn brightly, with the Standard Poodle, “Yes” providing us the kind of Hollywood ending we like, another Best In Show.

As much as we disliked last night’s Oscars, we have to admit that it almost never snows in Hollywood (and no cruel remarks about Robert Downey Jr). The same cannot be said about this weekend’s Rockland County show. Our brave I-Reporters did get us BIS results, but we had to wait until the Monday morning thaw to get you the complete results.

Sunday, it was big dog pay back when the Irish Wolfhound, CH Dun Myrica Speaker Of Eagle, went BIS and the Great Dane, CH Elan's Command Decision Reimroc, went Group One among the Working Dogs. Joining the giants in Judge Edward Lyons Jr’s final seven were the Weimaraner, CH Liberty's Dancin In The Moonlight, the Sealyham Terrier, CH Efbe's Merci Pour Le Poivre, the Toy Poodle, Walker, Tibetan Spaniel, CH Lorac's Yeshe Wongchhu, and the Rough Collie, CH Kelso's Moon Dancin PT.

The Oscar’s may have been a let down, but the International Kennel Club Show of Chicago never fails to please. We have already printed the spoilers herein, but die hard fans want to know the full story.

After a night of the alternative Oscars, we can safely say we have way more contenders in dogdom than they do in Hollywood. How many of you can hum me a few bars of the Oscar winning Best Song “Jai Ho”? By the end of the evening we were left with nothing more than the disturbing images of Miley Cyrus’ red neck Princess dress and Sophia Loren’s 74 year old cleavage.

CH Bayleigh Shaireab’s Super Hero, "Spyder"

However, in our world of perfectly coifed canines, it was all Audrey Hepburn and “Moon River” and , while Valdosta GA may be red neck country, it was the sharp dressed Welsh Terrier, CH Bayleigh Shaireab’s Super Hero, winning BIS at the Valdosta Kennel Club show on Friday. The other nominees for Best Dog were the always stylish Weimaraner, Smokecity Like A Rollin Stone, the elegantly dressed Afghan Hound, CH Genesis Silverado, the immaculately white Samoyed, CH Snowsong’s Major Investment, the solidly performing Pug, CH Norkus’ Risky Business (where was TOMKAT last night?), the perennially best dressed Standard Poodle, CH Darwin Spitfire, and the ruggedly handsome, German Shepherd Dog, CH Woodside Pacino.

CH Shoal Creek’s Sangra V Barick

Saturday, the whole ensemble cast moved the show to Tallahassee FL where the Ochlockohnee Kennel Club was hosting. This time it was the ingénue German Shepherd Dog, CH Shoal Creek’s Sangra V Barick, stealing the show with a supporting cast of recurring characters, the Afghan Hound, Pug, and Poodle and the German Wirehaired Pointer, CH Star K’s Mile Hi Valentine, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, CH Rokeena Carte Blanche, and the Boxer, CH Sabo’s Majestic Provacation (sic).

CH Norkus’ Risky Business

The Ochlockohnee KC Sunday matinee performance was dominated by the Pug, Risky, backed up by a mostly new cast of the Labrador Retriever, CH Robie’s Chantilly At Lightthouse, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, CH Adili’s American Idol, the Great Dane, CH Yamrb’s The Best Is Yet To Come, the Welsh Terrier, “Spyder“, the Tibetan Terrier, CH Tinckle Winckle of Dialynn, and the Rough Collie, CH Sylvan Argent Simply Irresistible. Don’t forget this cast is touring throughout the South through Wednesday. They are in Dothan AL today, and then Marianna FL Tuesday & Wednesday.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

No sooner had we remarked that it appeared that the weekend belonged to the little guys, we got a response from the biggest of the big boys. The Irish Wolfhound, CH Dun Myrica Speaker Of Eagle. Finished up the weekend in Suffern NY taking BIS at the second day show of the Rockland County Kennel Club. it’s the second BIS this year for the Wolfhound. Congratulations to breeder Samuel Evans Ewing III, breeder/owner Sam Houston McDonaldm and co-owner Joe M Roland.

Seems like the little guys are dominating the week. We have a report in from Chicago that the Brussels Griffon, CH Cilleine Masquerade, has won today’s show hosted by the International Kennel Club of Chicago. Although we do know that the Working Group winner was the Doberman Pinscher, CH Allure Blazing Star Alisation, we will have to wait until tomorrow for the rest of the finalists’ names.

It’s hard to get noticed in Boca Raton during polo season, but at least one dog did yesterday. The Pomeranian, CH Velocity’s Shake Ur Bon Bon, hauled home the big trophy from yesterday’s Boca Raton Dog Club show. This little guy may look like he was born on Worth Avenue, but in fact he is from Brooklyn NY. Whatever his antecedents, this is Bon’s third BIS this year. We suspect we will see Bon challenging our top ten this year.

NUMBER EIGHT

NUMBER NINE

NUMBER TEN

SHOW INFO

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The author has been attending dog shows as a spectator and exhibitor for over 45 years. He is a retired management consultant who has advised multiple organizations affiliated with the AKC and the Cat Fanciers Association on business management, long range planning, customer service, and legislative matters. After 25 years of living in the big cities of New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, he now resides in his hometown of Memphis, TN.

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